DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 319/08
Friday, 26 September 2008
HERCULES FLEET RETURNS TO NORMAL FLYING
OPERATIONS
The Air Force’s fleet of C-130 Hercules aircraft has returned to normal flying
activities.
A restriction on flying operations was imposed as a precautionary measure following
an incident with a C-130H Hercules aircraft during a training flight on September 15.
The aircraft encountered a fault with its nose landing gear, and returned safely to
RAAF Base Richmond. Defence immediately launched an investigation into the fault,
and limited the Hercules fleet to all but essential flights.
Group Captain Gary Martin, Officer Commanding of No. 86 Wing, said “an Air Force
investigation, conducted in consultation with DSTO and the aircraft manufacturer
Lockheed Martin, has concluded that the nose landing gear failure was an isolated
instance caused by a manufacturing defect that posed low risk to other aircraft in the
fleet.”
“The C-130 Hercules fleet is being returned to normal flying operations,” Group
Captain Martin said.
“Air Force’s response to this incident demonstrates our commitment to safety, as well
as the professionalism and skill of our personnel when under pressure.”
The Air Force has a fleet of 24 C-130 Hercules, operated from RAAF Base
Richmond.
These aircraft are an important part of the Australian Defence Force, providing a
combat airlift capability.
Media Note: An image of the Hercules following its return to Richmond is available
on request to Defence.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
